In many cities, summers feel hotter than in nearby countryside. This "urban heat island" effect happens because dark rooftops and asphalt soak up sunlight, storing it like a battery during the day and releasing it after sunset. To counter this, a neighborhood trial coated several buildings with a reflective, pale sealant sometimes called a "cool roof." The thin layer doesn't make the sun weaker, but it bounces more light back into the sky. Residents reported that upper floors felt less stuffy in late afternoon, air conditioners cycled on less often, and rooftop playgrounds were safer for small hands and feet. Utility data backed up the observations: during a week-long heat wave, buildings with the coating used less electricity between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Crucially, the project designers stressed that the goal was not to eliminate heat entirely but to temper the sharp spikes that stress both people and power grids. Paired with street trees that throw shade and small parks that invite breezes, reflective roofs form part of a wider strategy to make hot days more bearable without expensive retrofits.